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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. Delivers 2024 State of the County
300+ Attended Council for Quality Growth’s Annual Address at Rockdale County Auditorium
ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the Council for Quality Growth and Rockdale County Government hosted the 2024 State of Rockdale County at Rockdale County Auditorium in Conyers. Over 300 Council and Chamber members, elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff, and partners of Rockdale County gathered to hear Chairman of Rockdale County’s Board of Commissioners, Oz Nesbitt, Sr.’s annual State of the County Address. The breakfast program was presented by Atlas and Volkert.
Chairman Nesbitt opened his 8th State of Rockdale address by unveiling this year’s theme – ACT: Advance, Collaborate, and Thrive – and announcing that the county’s “Reimagine Rockdale” Strategic Plan will be completed and released this spring. Nesbitt announced this plan at his 2023 State of the County as a means of prioritizing the current and future infrastructure needs of Rockdale. Among a long list of progress being made across county departments, Chairman Nesbitt and his Commissioners are making intentional investments towards future planning. The Council for Quality Growth commends the work of the leadership to better understand the challenges of infrastructure capacity and its impact on future community and economic development. The development of an Infrastructure Master Plan will “provide a comprehensive roadmap and guide as we further develop Rockdale County’s infrastructure into an adaptable, real-time, future-focused plan,” said Chairman Nesbitt.
Chairman Nesbitt discussed partnerships with the Atlanta Transit Link Authority and the Georgia Department of Transportation to “ensure we are on the right path for continued growth and mobility.” He reported progress on some specific projects, including the Courtesy Parkway Bridge and the Sigman Road widening to relieve traffic congestion in key areas. The county is also working to secure federal funding for a micro-transit vendor.
Rockdale County recently received $3.8 million in federal funding for critical infrastructure projects that will “address diverse projects and improve essential services.” There is a focus on rehabilitating aging stormwater infrastructure, with the completion of over 115 projects and the addition of a utility education specialist focused on educating the community on managing stormwater and water resources.
In addition to the new SPLOST-funded state-of-the-art 911 center opening later this year that is a “momentous stride for public safety,” the county also plans to begin construction on a new judicial and administrative complex. This development will include public greenspace and community common areas while also providing citizens with expanded access to county services. Other capital projects include a $1.9 million Restorative Justice Complex, the completion of a fire station, and a new fire training complex that will serve as a central location for fire departments throughout the region.
Chairman Nesbitt also reported over $1.2 billion in economic investment in Rockdale County through the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council. Rockdale is investing in creating an equitable business environment. “It is critical that we foster an environment where everyone has an equal chance to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of our community,” he said.
Other initiatives the county is working on include a veteran’s transportation program, increased senior services, adding cultural events, an electric vehicle fleet, launching the innovative ‘County Rock’ mobile app, and unveiling a brand-new county image by the end of this year. “Collaboration is the key to thriving communities,” said the Chairman. “Rockdale County continues moving forward as we strive to proactively take care of our citizens.”
Infrastructure planning, public safety, and access to county services continue to be Chairman Nesbitt’s priorities going forward. He is steadfast in his commitment to “ACT,” or advance, collaborate, and thrive as a county, “Rockdale County does not advance by chance, but by change,” he said.
The Council’s State of Rockdale County annually convenes the county’s business community with its local government bodies, as well as with other local leaders from across the region. “We work with Rockdale County and its local municipalities to promote quality development policy year-round,” said Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, “and our ability to collaborate ensures everyone has a voice in how Rockdale continues to grow and thrive.”
The program also featured remarks from Sean Byers, Vice President of Southeast Region Business Development of Atlas, Lisa Exley, Marketing Manager of Volkert, Dr. Terrell Gibbs, Chief Operating Officer of CERM, and Sarah Skinner, Stormwater Planning Manager of the ARC’s Metro North Georgia Water Planning District. To conclude the program, the county recognized its 2024 awards recipients Fred Boscarino, Robin Reneau, David Shabazz, and Tony Lucas for their achievements in the region.
[Chairman Oz Nesbitt delivers his 2024 State of Rockdale County address]
A photo gallery will be available in the coming days at https://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/news-press/.
About the State of the County/Agency Series
The Council for Quality Growth hosts 10 ‘State of’ events across the region, including 8 counties and 2 agencies. We work in close collaboration with the office of the County Chairs in Cherokee, Clayton, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale, as well as with leadership at MARTA and the Atlanta BeltLine, to provide a platform for our counties and agency partners deliver an annual update on achievements, projects, and the future that is specifically geared toward the business community and the Council’s membership. A full calendar of the Council’s 2024 Signature Events, including the State of the County/Agency series, can be viewed and downloaded here: 2024 Programs Calendar
About the Council for Quality Growth
The Council for Quality Growth is a trade organization that works to ensure continued growth and economic success for generations to come by providing advocacy, information, and education to its members. In its 39th year, the Council is committed to the mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth and is proactively involved in the formulation of policy and legislation critical to the growth and development industry. The Council addresses, head-on, strategic economic planning, infrastructure needs, and tough quality-of-life issues throughout the metro Atlanta region and state. For more information, please visit http://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org.
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